Research Directorate of Arba Minch University in its first attempt to initiate dialogue between Gircha Highland Fruits and Vegetables Research Centre and Chencha community has held a day-long ‘Research Field Day,’ at centre’s premises in Chencha on 22nd October, 2016. President, Dr Damtew Darza, addressing the community said, ‘‘In line with government’s policy for scientific research succinctly outlined in Growth and Transformation Plan-II, university is producing skilled professionals in different streams; and for me, Gircha Highland Fruits and Vegetables Research Centre is the true manifestation of that commitment to serve community.’’
Research Directorate Director, Dr Simon Shibru, instrumental in hosting meeting said, ‘‘This first ever dialogue was aimed at acquainting farmers with what is being done for them and in future, such event may be hosted twice. Praises and assurance of support to AMU by farmers and representative of chief administrator of Chencha made our claim credible, for which, this centre has been established.’’
He further said, community has lauded university; the Gamo Kalehiwot Church has asked for research in animal husbandry and others are expecting AMU to play a bigger role. However, it’s just a beginning, but I am sure, we are on the right track.  
Gircha Centre Director, Dr Kebede Jobir, on apple varieties said, ‘‘There are nine root-stocks collected from Chencha Kalehiwot Church and planted at Gircha Centre to evaluate tolerance and compatibility level with the scions that were grafted after a year.
He further, said, a year later, 50 different apple cultivars, pear and plum scions were grafted adding up to the total of 1724 varieties planted so far. The planting and management practices used are based on experiences obtained from Bonn University’s Horticulture Institute, Germany.
Later, in the fields, different researchers apprised the peasants with ongoing analysis using scientific parameters aimed at developing better fruits and vegetables varieties. They also emphasized about preservation mechanism to boost yield and stimulate market price.
Mr Seifu Fetena, principal investigator, informed about seven collected varieties of potato from Wolaita Agriculture Research Centre including two local being investigated. Of two local - Father and susalo, the latter, he said, is the best; while gudene, digemegn, betele, tolcha and chalene are improved which will be applied with different controlling methods.
Mr Andargachew Detebo, Associate Researcher, said, ‘‘Garlic research involves varietal selection and organic fertilizer ratings where one of the varieties is being treated with four levels of fertilizers. The first phase of research is almost over while second will start soon. On soil treatment, he said, Chencha soil is highly acidic with 4.8 pH level therefore, farmers are told to treat soil with lime and other treatment levels to enhance crop yield. 
According to Mr Behailu Asrat six different apple varieties will be analyzed and preservation aspect will be looked into to improve shelf-life and market price. He informed farmers how to segregate ware and seed potatoes and hopes outcomes to enable them to use best agronomy practices to enhance the quality and yield.
Mr Bitewulign Eshetu, said, ‘‘Of 20 Enset in-research varieties, seven are improved and 13 local to find out types best suited for agro-ecological condition of Chencha. The gross and yield parameter study will give us expected results in two years time.’’
Dr Dereje Tsegaye made soil characteristic understandable; Mr Gezahgn Garo and Mr Kidane Melese spoke on cabbage and carrot. Mr Birhanu Gemeda from Biological and Cultural Diversity Centre at Abaya Campus interpreted for community members in Gamogna.
Research and Community Service Vice President, Dr Guchie Gulie, winding up the session, said that the centre thriving on several researches on highland crops will analyze best varieties to enhance Chencha’s agro-biodiversity. It will be developed alike Holeta Research Centre and in future, bio-tech, agro and genetic engineering laboratories will be installed.
Over 40 community members and AMU officials including academic staff and researchers attended a grand luncheon program hosted by the Centre.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)